Higher Frequency Of Alcohol Use Research Articles

Exploring the dynamics of alcohol use, poverty and the role of social context in Athens, Greece

Abstract Background A body of research conducted across diverse national context, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Denmark and Norway, shows a robust link between poverty and increased alcohol related harm, even after accounting for different drinking patterns. This paper examines the unexplored relationship between poverty and alcohol use in Athens, Greece, focusing on alcohol’s impact related to the familial and social life of individuals and whether this system is affected by poverty. Methods This is a 2021 cross-sectional study, with 300 adult participants of mean age 45.8. We administered four questionnaires. The participants were equally distributed above and below the poverty threshold, sampled randomly. The latter were beneficiaries of social services. The data analysis established two scoring variables: the level of dysfunction from alcohol use and the level of strength of family ties. We computed their correlation and multiple linear regressions to assess their relationships. Results Individuals not residing in poverty exhibit a higher frequency of alcohol use (81.9%) than their counterparts (57.1%), however, those living in poverty tend to consume greater quantities of alcohol per occasion (p < 0.001) and reported elevated levels of dysfunction within familial and social interactions. Conclusions This study indicates that different consumption patterns are tied to diverse socioeconomic strata, with binge drinking behaviours specifically linked to financial hardship. Also, alcohol related dysfunction and family and social dynamics are affected by poverty. Our findings show that as dysfunction attributed to alcohol use increases, participants socialize less and report lower levels of well-being. In contrast those with balanced family ties and social encounters exhibit the opposite trend. This study warrants further exploration in cities in Southern Europe. Key messages • To mitigate alcohol use, policies empowering social and familial connections are of high importance. • Uncovering poverty as a factor for binge drinking can inform prevention strategies.

Influencing factors of anxiety and depression of discharged COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China.

This study is intended to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety in individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and been discharged from hospital (RD hereafter) in Wuhan, China, and to explore the factors associated with these mental disorders. Participants of this study were the RD who were infected at the beginning of the outbreak from 13 communities in Jianghan District of Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China by convenience sampling in mid-2021. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Short Version of COVID-19 Stigma Scale, the Peace of Mind Scale, the Resilience Style Questionnaire, and the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire were used to collect relevant information of the participants. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to describe and analyze the data and to examine the factors associated with the mental health status of this population. In total, we recruited 1601 participants from 3059 COVID-19 patients, and 1541 participants completed the questionnaire survey, with a response rate of 96.25%. Finally, 1297 participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in this study, of whom 28.8% and 37.9% reported mild to severe levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Perceived better mental health status during hospitalization, higher frequency of alcohol use per week, peace of mind, higher education level, and resilience were negatively associated with anxiety, while stigma and history of psychological or emotional counseling before infection was positively associated with anxiety. More severe clinical classification of COVID-19 and stigma (AOR = 1.057, P<0.001) were both positively associated with depression, while perceived better mental health status during hospitalization (AOR = 0.564, P<0.001), higher frequency of alcohol use per week (AOR = 0.462, P = 0.004), peace of mind (AOR = 0.857, P<0.001), and social support (AOR = 0.972, P = 0.034) were negatively associated with depression. Tailored interventions on reducing stigma, enhancing mindfulness and social support should be taken into account to alleviate anxiety and depression among RD.

Comprehensive Assessment of Alcohol Consumption in People Living with HIV (PLWH): The New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV Study.

High frequency of alcohol use among people living with HIV (PLWH) warrants careful assessment and screening to better understand its impact on HIV disease progression and development of comorbidities. Due to the limitations of the tools used to measure alcohol use, the links to health consequences are not fully understood. We completed a cross-sectional analysis to examine the prevalence of alcohol consumption using multiple alcohol assessment tools and their correlation and consistency in a cohort of PLWH (N=365) enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) Study. Alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), timeline followback (TLFB) Calendar, lifetime drinking history, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Severity Index, and blood levels of phosphatidylethanol (PEth). Spearman's correlations were estimated for continuous measures of alcohol consumption; Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare means; and logistic regression was used to estimate odds of alcohol use by demographic characteristics. Self-report of current alcohol use varied from 58.9 to 73.7% depending on the assessment. All the self-reported alcohol measures showed statistically significant correlations with the biological marker PEth. The highest correlation was with TLFB grams (r=0.67, p<0.001). Using TLFB, 73.7% of the cohort reported using alcohol in the last 30days, and 61.6% had a positive PEth value. The prevalence of risky drinkers, meeting the TLFB>3 (women) or >4 (men) drinks/day or>7 (women) or>14 (men) drinks/week, was 49.0%. Medium-risk drinking defined as an AUDIT score≥8 was reported in 40.3%, and high-risk drinkers/probable AUD (AUDIT score≥16) was met by 17.0% of the cohort. Our results demonstrate the importance of comprehensive assessments for alcohol use, including self-report via multiple assessment tools administered by trained staff, as well as the addition of biomarkers for improved classification of subjects into different drinking categories.

Internalizing Risk Factors for College Students' Alcohol use: A Combined Person- and Variable-Centered Approach

ABSTRACTBackground: Most studies that investigate internalizing problems (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and alcohol use disorders use variable-centered approaches, losing important information about differences among individuals. Objectives: To group college students by different profiles of alcohol-use risk factors using a person-centered cluster analysis in two separate samples. Methods: Questionnaires were used in both studies to assess positive expectancies regarding alcohol use, coping motives for alcohol use, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. In the first study (2012), we collected information about past month alcohol use, including frequency and binge drinking episode (n = 171). In the second study (2013), we also included measures of externalizing behaviors and negative alcohol-related consequences (n = 526). Results: In Study 1, the cluster analysis identified four groups of students who displayed different patterns of risk: a low-risk group, moderate cognitions/low internalizing cluster, a high internalizing/low coping motives group of drinkers, and a high internalizing/high coping motives cluster of drinkers. This fourth group showed high levels of depression, moderate anxiety, high positive expectancies and coping motives for alcohol use, and reported the highest frequency of alcohol use. Study 2 replicated the findings from the previous study. Three groups of individuals were identified, replicating the low-risk cluster, the moderate cognitions/low internalizing cluster, and the internalizing cluster of drinkers from Study 1. Participants in the latter cluster endorsed the highest number of negative consequences of alcohol use. Conclusions: Results from both studies highlight the importance of tailoring alcohol abuse prevention efforts to a subgroup young adult who endorse internalizing symptoms.

Association of Attention-deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder with Alcohol Use Disorders in Fishermen.

Introduction:Alcohol use is a widely prevalent problem and poses hazard during work for certain groups such as fishermen. Disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperkinetic Disorder (ADHD) correlate with early onset and greater severity of alcohol use disorders.Aims:We planned to study the frequency of ADHD among fishermen in a fishing hamlet of southern India using adult ADHD self-reported scale (ASRS) and correlated with the severity of alcohol use disorder as evidenced by age at initiation of alcohol use, presence of harmful use, or dependence use as defined by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).Subjects and Methods:This was a community-based interview using AUDIT questionnaire for severity of alcohol use and the ASRS to detect ADHD.Results:The prevalence of adult ADHD among fishermen in this study was 25.7% using the critical items of the ASRS. ADHD was about twice as likely in participants with dependence as those without dependence (odds ratio = 2.10). ADHD was also more likely in participants with onset of use before 30 years of age than others (25.1% vs. 15.4%) (P = 0.27).Discussion:We found a high frequency of alcohol use among fishermen (79.8%). However, only 9.9% had alcohol dependence which is higher than the general population (2.3%) in the region. Fishermen with alcohol dependence were twice as likely to have ADHD as those without alcohol dependence.Conclusion:In a community-based survey of fishermen, the prevalence of alcohol dependence was about 10%. The presence of alcohol dependence predicted a two times higher likelihood of ADHD among fishermen than those without alcohol dependence.

Early Sexual Onset and Alcohol Use and Misuse From Adolescence Into Young Adulthood

PurposeLittle is known about the longitudinal association between early first heterosexual intercourse (e.g., intercourse before the age of 15 years) and alcohol use during adolescence and young adulthood. This study sought to determine whether early first heterosexual intercourse is associated with (1) frequency of alcohol use at age 16 years, (2) changes in alcohol use from ages 16 to 22 years, and (3) alcohol misuse at age 22 years, while controlling for alcohol use, antisocial behavior, pubertal timing, and parental monitoring in early adolescence. MethodsA sample of 289 participants (63% female) was surveyed annually from ages 12 to 22 years. ResultsLatent growth curve modeling indicated that youth who experienced an early first heterosexual intercourse report a higher frequency of alcohol use at age 16 years compared with those who have experienced their first heterosexual intercourse at an “on-time” age. However, timing of first heterosexual intercourse was not related to growth in frequency of alcohol use over time. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that experiencing an early first heterosexual intercourse predicted problematic alcohol use at age 22 years (β = .153, p = .027). These results were found while controlling for confounding individual- and family factor–level variables. ConclusionsThe effect of early first heterosexual intercourse on adolescent alcohol use appears to be long lasting and is associated with a more problematic use of this substance in young adulthood. Further research should be conducted to uncover the developmental processes involved.

Sports practices related to alcohol and tobacco use among high school students.

To examine the relationship between alcohol and tobacco use and sports in a national sample of secondary students. This cross-sectional study enrolled a representative sample of secondary students from public and private schools from all 27 Brazilian state capitals. Students were assessed in 2010 by a self-report questionnaire including questions on drug use and sport activity in the last month (n=13,872). Subjects who played sports exhibited a higher frequency of alcohol use and heavy episodic drinking than their peers who did not play sports. Practices that were associated with higher odds of heavy episodic drinking in the last month included gym, weight training (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.0, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.6-2.4), and soccer (aOR: 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.5). Fighting, martial arts, or capoeira were associated with smoking (aOR: 1.9, 95%CI 1.2-3.2). These results suggest a relationship between some sports preferences and a higher risk of alcohol or tobacco use among Brazilian secondary students. This relationship should be considered in preventive programs.

The relationship between drug use, food neophobia and food addiction

Drug use is associated with eating behaviour. Students with past history of broad drug use ate more in a laboratory snack and reported an elevated desire to eat. In an attempt to find potential mediating psychological variables, exploratory research revealed that high impulsivity is linked to both higher pleasantness of eating foods and consuming alcohol and higher frequency of alcohol use. Those with broader drug use, higher drug consumption, and high enjoyment of intoxication also rated the pleasantness of the taste of foods lower in a questionnaire study. Drug use was not associated with emotional or external eating and dietary restraint (DEBQ). In the present study, a possible link of drug use to food addiction and food neophobia was investigated. Seventy-nine university students (65% women)were administered the FoodNeophobia Scale (FNS), the Food Attitude Survey (FAS), the Yale Food Addiction Scale, Core Alcohol and Drug Survey, and appetite measures. Height and weight were also measured to compute BMI (ranged 18–40). Analyses revealed that breadth of drug use was correlated with lower food neophobia (FNS and FAS), low finickiness (FAS), and low general neophobia. Higher alcohol consumption was also associated with both low food and general neophobia. Food addiction was not related to drug use and BMI was correlated only with food addiction. In multiple regression, wider breadth of drug use emerged as the primary predictor of low neophobia. Low food neophobia and higher drug use have been associated with sensation seeking and it is proposed that it underlies the relationships observed in the present study.

Multiple risk factors: prevalence and correlates of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use among university students in Egypt

There is a lack of research on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) use in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). We assessed four ATOD behaviors (risk factors; smoking, alcohol consumption behavior, one’s own illicit drug/s use, friend’s illicit drug/s use), two mental health indicators (depressive symptoms, perceived stress), two socio-demographic features (gender, age) and two policy variables (agree with smoking and alcohol bans at university). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 3258 students at 11 faculties of Assiut University in Egypt (2009–2010). As for ATOD individual risk factors, about 8.8% of the participants smoked cigarettes (occasionally or daily), 3.8% reported “high frequency” alcohol use (a few times each week, every day and a few times each day), 4.5% had ever used illicit drugs, and 15.3% had a friend who used illicit drug/s. For ATOD multiple risk factors, 28.5% of the sample reported any ATOD risk factor, and 8.7% of the sample reported ≥2 risk factors, and the frequencies were significantly higher among males. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with illicit drug/s use and with having a friend/s who use illicit drug/s. Smoking was positively associated with one’s illicit drug/s use, but negatively associated with having a friend who use illicit drug/s. Higher frequency of alcohol use was positively associated with illicit drug/s use. Age and perceived stress were not associated with any of ATOD variables. These findings contribute to lack of research on ATOD use across the EMR, and provide a platform for planning prevention/intervention policies.

Weight, socio-demographics, and health behaviour related correlates of academic performance in first year university students

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine differences in socio-demographics and health behaviour between Belgian first year university students who attended all final course exams and those who did not. Secondly, this study aimed to identify weight and health behaviour related correlates of academic performance in those students who attended all course exams.MethodsAnthropometrics of 101 first year university students were measured at both the beginning of the first (T1) and second (T2) semester of the academic year. An on-line health behaviour questionnaire was filled out at T2. As a measure of academic performance student end-of-year Grade Point Averages (GPA) were obtained from the university’s registration office. Independent samples t-tests and chi 2 -tests were executed to compare students who attended all course exams during the first year of university and students who did not carry through. Uni- and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to identify correlates of academic performance in students who attended all course exams during the first year of university.ResultsStudents who did not attend all course exams were predominantly male, showed higher increases in waist circumference during the first semester and consumed more French fries than those who attended all final course exams. Being male, lower secondary school grades, increases in weight, Body Mass Index and waist circumference over the first semester, more gaming on weekdays, being on a diet, eating at the student restaurant more frequently, higher soda and French fries consumption, and higher frequency of alcohol use predicted lower GPA’s in first year university students. When controlled for each other, being on a diet and higher frequency of alcohol use remained significant in the multivariate regression model, with frequency of alcohol use being the strongest correlate of GPA.ConclusionsThis study, conducted in Belgian first year university students, showed that academic performance is associated with a wide range of weight and health related behaviours. Future studies should investigate whether interventions aiming at promoting healthy behaviours among students could also have a positive impact on academic performance.

Characteristics of patients with diabetes screened for tuberculosis in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Tertiary care hospital for diabetes mellitus (DM) in Tamil Nadu, South India. To compare the socio-demographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics in DM patients with and without tuberculosis (TB). A descriptive study involving a review of routinely maintained records to capture the results of screening of DM patients for TB between March and December 2012. DM patients were first asked whether they already had TB, and if not they were screened for TB symptoms, followed by investigations for and possible diagnosis of TB. Of 7083 DM patients, 38 already had TB. Of the remainder, 125 (1.8%) had TB symptoms; 71 were investigated and 12 were newly diagnosed with TB. Of the 50 TB patients, 64% had smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB). DM-TB patients were older, and had lower education level and economic status, a higher frequency of alcohol use, lower body mass index, a longer duration of DM, a greater likelihood of receiving insulin and poorer glycaemic control. Screening of DM patients for TB was feasible in a tertiary care hospital. The yield of new TB cases was low and merits further investigation. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were different in patients with DM and TB compared to those with DM only.

Prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence in women living in eight indigenous regions of Mexico

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence (IPV) in eight indigenous regions of Mexico, as well as the socioeconomic and demographic variables that are associated with this phenomenon. A cross-sectional study was conducted in indigenous regions that have a greater availability of government medical services than other indigenous regions. Interviews were conducted with female patients (n = 3287) seeking medical care in either of the two public health institutions in these regions. The severity of intimate partner violence (SIPV) during the previous 12 months was measured using a 33-item scale. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the factors associated with SIPV. Intimate partner violence prevalence was 25.5% (95%CI 24.93–25.26). Female partner variables such as personal history of child abuse (ORA 3.48; 95%CI 2.48–4.89) and work outside the home (ORA 1.74; 95%CI 1.22–2.49) and male partner variables such as unemployment (ORA 2.31; 95%CI 1.34–3.97) and a high frequency of alcohol use (ORA 13.35; 95%CI 7.02–25.39) were the main predictors for IPV. We found a three-fold higher risk of IPV for women living in the Los Altos de Chiapas region (ORA 3.01; 95%CI 1.88–4.79) compared with women in the Mayan region (reference category). Such results should aid decision makers in the development of extended public policies and interventions to address violence against women in the indigenous populations of Mexico.

Preconception markers of dual risk for alcohol and smoking exposed pregnancy: tools for primary prevention.

Effective preconception primary prevention strategies are needed for women who are at dual risk for alcohol and smoking exposed pregnancies. The current study seeks to identify risk factors that can be used to target intervention strategies at women who are at dual risk. During a 2-year period from January 2007 through December 2009, 109 women at dual risk for alcohol exposed pregnancy (AEP) and smoking exposed pregnancy (SEP) and 108 women at risk only for AEP were recruited from central Virginia cities. All participants completed a battery of instruments, including assessments of sexual, smoking, and alcohol history and current behavior in each area. Several factors differentiated women at dual risk for SEP/AEP vs. AEP alone, including lower educational level and employment, higher frequency of sexual intercourse, less use of contraception, and higher frequency of alcohol use and mental disorders. Several measurable factors differentiate SEP/AEP women, and these factors could be used to efficiently target primary prevention. The increased severity of women at dual risk of SEP/AEP on a variety of factors demonstrates the importance of preconception prevention efforts for these women.

Drinking and driving among immigrant and US-born Hispanic young adults: Results from a longitudinal and nationally representative study

Objective To evaluate the risk factors associated with the initiation of driving under the influence (DUI) among Hispanics in a longitudinal and nationally-representative sample of adolescents and young adults. Specifically, this study tests the effect of demographic variables, individual-level risk factors, and eco-processes (e.g., peer drug use, parental involvement) during adolescence on DUI among Hispanic young adults. Methods Data were derived from 1734 Hispanic adolescents surveyed for the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Survey logistic regression procedures were used to examine the effects of nativity status on DUI initiation, to evaluate the independent effect of each risk factor (demographic, individual-level, and eco-processes), and to identify whether and to what extent these factors are associated with the initiation of DUI. Results The overall prevalence of DUI initiation was 18.3%. Differences were observed in the rates of DUI initiation by nativity status: first-generation immigrants reported the lowest rates of DUI initiation (15.4%) when compared with second-generation US-born Hispanic youth (17.4%) and third-generation and beyond US-born Hispanic youth (21.5%). US-born Hispanic youth were also more likely to report higher frequency of alcohol use ( t = 3.46, p = 0.001) and marijuana use ( t = 2.34, p = 0.021) compared to immigrant adolescents. After adjusting for a number of risk factors, men (OR = 2.86), marijuana users (OR = 1.98), and those who reported feeling safe in their neighborhoods (OR = 2.02) were at an increased risk DUI initiation. Conclusions Findings provide support for the “immigrant paradox”: immigrant youth reported lower rates of DUI initiation and other high-risk behaviors when compared with US-born Hispanic youth.

Wellbeing, alcohol use and sexual activity in young teenagers: findings from a cross-sectional survey in school children in North West England

BackgroundAdolescent health is a growing concern. High rates of binge drinking and teenage pregnancies, documented in the UK, are two measures defining poor wellbeing. Improving wellbeing through schools is a priority but information on the impact of wellbeing on alcohol use, and on sexual activity among schoolchildren is limited.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using self-completed questionnaires was conducted among 3,641 schoolchildren aged 11-14 years due to participate in a sex and relationships education pilot programme in 15 high schools in North West England. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between wellbeing and alcohol use, and wellbeing and sexual activity.ResultsA third of 11 year olds, rising to two-thirds of 14 year olds, had drunk alcohol. Children with positive school wellbeing had lower odds of ever drinking alcohol, drinking often, engaging in any sexual activity, and of having sex. General wellbeing had a smaller effect. The strength of the association between alcohol use and the prevalence of sexual activity in 13-14 year olds, increased incrementally with the higher frequency of alcohol use. Children drinking once a week or more had 12-fold higher odds of any sexual activity, and 10-fold higher odds of having sex. Rare and occasional drinkers had a significantly higher odds compared with non-drinkers.ConclusionsThe relationship between wellbeing and alcohol use, and wellbeing and sexual activity reinforces the importance of initiatives that enhance positive wellbeing in schoolchildren. The association between alcohol use and sexual activity highlights the need for integrated public health programmes. Policies restricting alcohol use may help reduce sexual exposure among young teenagers.

Relationship of Binge Drinking and Other Health-Compromising Behaviors among Urban Adolescents in China

Purpose To describe frequency and patterns of alcohol use and explore the association between binge drinking and other health-compromising behaviors among adolescents in urban China. Methods Data on alcohol use and other behavioral risk factors were obtained from the 2004 China Adolescent Behavioral Risk Factor Survey conducted in 18 provincial capitals. Chi-square test was used to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and compare differences in drinking frequency by gender, school type, and grade. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between binge drinking and other health-compromising behaviors. Results Data were available on 54,040 students in grades 7 to 12. In all, 51.1% of students reported ever using alcohol (male: 58.6%; female: 44.3%), 29.7% reported drinking before 13 years of age, and 14.1% had gotten drunk at least once during the past year. In the 30 days preceding the interview, 25.2% students reported consuming at least one alcoholic drink (male: 31.4%; female: 19.6%) and 10.3% reported at least one episode of binge drinking (male: 14.4%; female: 6.6%). Male students from vocational senior high schools reported the highest frequency of alcohol use. The prevalence of other risk behaviors, such as smoking, drug use, and fighting were significantly higher among students with a positive history of binge drinking. Conclusions Alcohol use among urban adolescents is a major problem in China. A comprehensive alcohol control policy is needed, incorporating measures to educate the public about the dangers of adolescent alcohol use and regulating access and purchase of alcohol by minors.

Intracerebral hemorrhage in blacks. Risk factors, subtypes, and outcome.

Blacks are at a higher risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) than whites; however, few data are available regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics of ICH among blacks. We determined the frequency of risk factors, etiologic subtypes, and outcome among consecutive black patients admitted with nontraumatic ICH to a university-affiliated public hospital. The most common risk factors in the 403 black patients with ICH were preexisting hypertension (77%), alcohol use (40%), and smoking (30%). Among the 91 nonhypertensive patients, 21 (23%) were diagnosed with hypertension after onset. Compared with women, men had a younger age of onset (54 versus 60 years; P < .001) and higher frequency of alcohol use (54% versus 22%; P < .001) and smoking (39% versus 17%; P < .001). ICH secondary to hypertension (n = 311) and of undetermined etiology (n = 73) were the most common subtypes in blacks. Patients aged 65 years and older (compared with those aged 15 to 44 years; P = .001) and women (compared with men; P = .02) were more likely to be dependent at discharge. Primary preventive strategies are required to reduce the high frequency of modifiable risk factors predisposing to ICH in blacks.

Alcohol use, driver, and crash characteristics among injured motorcycle drivers.

Motorcycle drivers have the highest frequency of alcohol use among all road users. This study examines alcohol use among a large sample of injured motorcycle drivers and examines how crash characteristics differ with the use of alcohol. Over 3000 motorcycle drivers who crashed between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1992, were studied. All fatally injured drivers in 11 California counties and a sample of nonfatally injured drivers treated in 28 hospitals were included in the study if a crash report and medical record were available. Among drivers tested for alcohol use, 42% tested positive for the presence of alcohol. Drinking drivers were more likely to be speeding and less likely to wear a helmet, and more frequently had single motorcycle crashes than nondrinking drivers. Crash characteristics, but not alcohol use, were predictive of increased injury severity. Alcohol use remains a significant factor in motorcycle crashes and is an important area for injury prevention efforts.

Fathers' smoking and use of alcohol--the viewpoint of maternity health care clinics and well-baby clinics.

The study population consists of the fathers of the families which took part in the project 'The Finnish Family Competence Study', conducted by the Department of Public Health, University of Turku. The initial phase of the study included 1279 men. At the onset of the study project their families were expecting their first baby. When examining the fathers' use of alcohol, it was found that those with the highest level of basic education and those in professional occupations had the highest frequency of alcohol use, but they only consumed small amounts of alcohol at a time. In contrast, industrial employees and those with a lower level of education used alcohol less frequently, but they used larger amounts at a time. Thirty-two per cent of the respondents reduced their drinking after the onset of the wife's pregnancy. Of the respondents 43.7% were smokers, 8.4% of whom stopped smoking after the onset of the wife's pregnancy. Smoking cessation by the father was statistically significantly explained by the fact that the wife had not smoked before pregnancy or that she had stopped smoking after the onset of pregnancy, in which case the father did the same. When the fathers were divided into two categories according to their alcohol use, i.e. lighter and heavier users, it was found that the latter group had a more negative attitude towards their children. Similarly, smoking fathers were found to have a more negative attitude towards their children that the non-smoking ones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Proposed criteria for the diagnosis of alcohol abuse in adolescents

Proposed criteria for the diagnosis of adolescent alcohol abuse were examined in a large group of juvenile offenders. The criteria successfully identified the adolescents with a preponderance of symptoms across a broad spectrum of alcohol problems and those with higher frequency of alcohol use.